Solynta, a Dutch company known for its hybrid potato breeding techniques, has partnered with Senselet Food Processing PLC (Senselet), a subsidiary of PepsiCo in Ethiopia, to introduce hybrid true potato seeds (HTPS) to Ethiopian farmers. The collaboration aims to improve food security and enhance the sustainable income of farmers in the country.
The hybrid breeding technique focuses on breeding desirable traits like pest resistance and hardiness to improve food security and ensure sustainable income for farmers. Ethiopian researchers and farmers will test the HTPS, and Solynta/PepsiCo will work with Ethiopian authorities to establish legal frameworks for seed import, registration, and certification of hybrid seed tubers.
Charles Miller, Solynta’s Director of Business Development, has expressed his confidence that the partnership will develop the best practices for Ethiopian conditions and significantly affect crop practices, productivity, and reliance on pesticides. The partnership aligns with the Ethiopia-Netherlands Seed Partnership (ENSP), which aims to enable the private sector in Ethiopia to deliver high-quality seeds for food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.
PepsiCo is the leading Ethiopian potato processing company and recently invested $40 million to expand in Ethiopia to leverage PepsiCo’s global expertise to boost the business’ potato sourcing programs and manufacturing capabilities. The partnership between Solynta and PepsiCo/Senselet aims to help build a more sustainable food system in Ethiopia by meeting human needs and bolstering global economic and social development.
With the implementation of HTPS in Ethiopia, farmers can enjoy improved yields, and the potato processing industry can have access to high-quality potato tubers. The introduction of hybrid potato seeds could have a positive impact on food security and economic development in Ethiopia. The partnership between Solynta and PepsiCo/Senselet is an excellent example of how private and public sectors can collaborate to achieve common goals, such as building a sustainable food system that benefits everyone.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
